This is the question that runs through my mind constantly as I prepare for a class, practice at home on my mat, or read about “yoga” in our current culture (mine being the culture of North America influenced by my time in both the United States, Canada, and abroad). The short answer is…no, I don’t believe I teach yoga, but the long answer is much more complex.

If you have been part of the “yoga community” for any amount of time, you will have no doubt stumbled upon the question of what yoga is today. There are questions surrounding its origins and its adoption in the “West,” questions related to its exclusivity in certain communities and the commodification of a sacred practice. There are questions around access and equity, as well as questions related to the practice itself (in terms of what is viewed or respected or praticed as “real” yoga). These questions are part of my personal journey and exploration of this practice as a white, middle-class, able-bodied woman…one who came to yoga in the 2000s and who has benefitted from its spread world-wide.

Yoga’s history runs deep and is incredibly complex. From the Vedics to modern day yogic philosophers – there are a myriad of thoughts and interpretations on how the practice came to the place it is now. It is said that the earliest mentioning of “Yoga” was strictly in the spiritual realm in one of the many Upanishads (there are 11 principle Upanishads or teachings), before 500 BCE. This first mention dealt with the inner realm alone…that we ourselves were the container for and the realization of Yoga. From there, yoga took a journey into Vedanta, “the guiding background philosophy of Yoga” (Emil Wendell, Yoga Philosophy, November 2015). This philosophy includes:

Our inner self is connected to reality

Our awareness of self, without awareness of this ultimate connection, can be viewed as an illusion

Self-realization through self-study and self-awareness (the deep work!)

Discipline and commitment are required to reach the goal of self-realization/actualization

These philosophies are still considered to be the guiding principles of many teachers and gurus throughout India and beyond who both practice and share yogic philosophy. Note here that there is no mention of physical practice, per se!

It is important to remember that there are many types of yoga that our current practice birthed from:

Mantra Yoga (chanting)

Karma Yoga (selfless action)

Jnana Yoga (self-study)

Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion – can be viewed as the “religious/spiritual” form of yoga)

Patanjala Yoga (meditation)

Tantra (energetic systems)

Hatha (physical body)

Theravada Buddhism, Jainism (intention and the yoga of no harm to others)

As you can see, our practices today combine some forms of yoga together. We may chant before a class, volunteer in our communities, embark on self-improvement projects, have a spiritual practice that may or may not include worship, we might meditate, see energy healers, run/bike/move, and practice mindfulness in our thoughts/words/actions towards others. Today, in most spaces, the emphasis of yoga is placed on the Hatha or physical practice as we roll out our mats and align our bodies into various poses and postures.

Today’s practices on the mat – at least those taught by most teachers that I encounter – can be said relate to “Pantajali’s Eight-Limbs of Yoga” derived from the Yoga Sutras in the 16th century:

Yama (universal ethics)

Niyama (personal ethics and purifications)

Asana (postures)

Pranayama (breath work)

Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses, coming inward)

Dharana (precise focus)

Dhyana (meditation)

Samadhi (self-realization/liberation)

Ultimately, in all of this, the goal of yoga was outlined as “Yoga Chitta Vrtti Nirodha” or “the end of the ceaseless movement of the mind.” All of the practices outlined above were manifested in order to bring us to this internal state of quietude.

The arrival of yogic practices to the “West” (namely the United States) and these eight limbs is a relatively recent phenomenon, one informed by the knowledge that emphasizing the physical aspects while de-emphasizing the spiritual and more self-reflective practices would be the way to hook us to the yoga mat. In 1893, Swami Vivekananda understood that there was a freedom of exploration in the United States…an opening that might give way for these ancient practices to make an entrance. The ultimate turning point arrived in 1947 when Indra Devi (a Westerner who studied yoga abroad with Sri Krishnamacharya) opened a studio in Hollywood. Yoga exploded onto the scene in the United States in Los Angeles, fuelled by an obsession with “alternative” modes of staying healthy and lean while adding that ever-so-marketable exotic edge to the mix. From then on the age of cultural appropriation and commodification of these practice was on with men and women traveling abroad to study and then returning to the West to open studios and share their passion and knowledge with others. It was only a couple of decades later, in the 1970s, when yoga became more accessible than ever to those of us wanting to study and learn in our own backyards. Note: this is an incredibly reductive overview of the evolution of these practices in the West…one that leaves out politics, migration, social movements, religious movements, cultural exchange, and so on.

As a result of the yoga boom and the opportunities this presented on personal, social, and economic levels, it was only a matter of time before another explosion of yoga occurred bringing us to where we find ourselves today…there is hot yoga, yoga with goats (have you seen the YouTube video yet?), dance yoga, yoga for gardeners, Vinyasa Flow, yoga therapy, naked yoga, partner yoga, Yin yoga, restorative yoga…the list goes on and on. In short, there is a “yoga practice” for everyone! But, is what was being taught and shared “yoga?”

That leads me to my own questioning of what it is I share exactly. I am a believer in emphasizing all eight of the limbs of the yogic path – not just the third (asana) and I do incorporate the different veins of yoga mindfully into my practices. There is a beauty in the freedom that our yoga affords us today, but it is important to recognize the birthplace and evolution of our practices as well. To not shy away from the conversations of exclusion/inclusion, ability/dis-ability, equity/inequity, cultural appropriation, and what yoga means to us as a society today.

I am on a personal path of exploration to describe what it is I share with those interested in practicing with me. Do I believe I can call it “yoga” in the strictest sense? Most likely not. Do I believe it is a practice derived from a deep history of knowledge, information, practice, and questioning? Absolutely. I can honestly say that learning about the history and my consistent self-exploration in this work has transformed the way I view myself and how I choose to share this with others. When I began to practice yoga, I had modality to ignite my personal embodiment – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A space of embodiment that eluded me for a very long time.

I will continue to seek my path in this long lineage before me; knowing my participation comes with both benefits and potential drawbacks. I continue to acknowledge my personal privilege on this journey of exploration; knowing my acknowledgement is part of this yogic path.

The 8-Limbed Path of Relationships

I perceive the practice of yoga to happen both on and off the mat. Everything I practice in stillness, movement, observation, manifestation, and letting go on my rectangle of rubber, I also put into practice in my daily life – or at least that is the goal.

So it goes with the theory behind yoga. Many of you are familiar with Pantajali’s 8-Limbed Path of Yoga that includes the following:

Yamas – ways in which we relate to the world

Niyamas – ways in which we relate to ourselves

Asana – the physical practice of postures

Pranayama – the practice of controlling breath with intention and mindfulness

Pratyahara – the withdrawing of sensory experience to allow for full observation of self

Dharana – focus and concentration

Dhyana – meditation practice (uninterrupted concentration)

Samadhi – bliss state

These eight limbs enable us to grow our practice in a way that builds upon each step. As we can see, the physical practice is only one small part of how we practice yoga. It is also a way for us to prepare our bodies for everything that follows including breath control and meditation.

This also applies to the relationships we have in our lives – with others and with ourselves.

When we take the time to observe how we relate to the word through the five Yamas: non-violence, telling the truth, non-stealing, refrain from excess, and non-coveting, we are preparing ourselves for what it takes to develop meaningful relationships. It pays not to treat others with violence. My friends and family want me to be truthful with them. I want to be truthful with myself.

This leads to the practice of the Niyamas. In this limb, we find the “values” of cleanliness, happiness/contentment, the development of consistent patterns to develop heat, study of self, and the overarching belief that there is something bigger than us (spirit, God, Gaia…). The Niyamas can help us in relationships in allowing others to just be. To just be content with where things are, to know that it takes effort to maintain good relationships, to understand that there is something larger that connects all of us and that we are part of a larger fabric.

As in yoga, the Asana, or physical practice, is a small piece of the puzzle! So it goes with relationships. While it is always nice to be physically present with those we love, it is our ability to move beyond the physical that defines the depth of our most precious partnerships. I love being able to hug my friends or hold the hand of my husband, but I know that my relationships persist because we go deeper than the physical.

The next four limbs – Panayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana – for me all embody a sense of intention and mindfulness. Relationships do well when we tend to them, just like a garden requires consistent care. By remaining focused when in the presence of someone else – free of all other distraction (including your cell phone!) can bring about a state of full awareness when in connection with another. Think about those times when your friends or loved ones have truly listened to you with their whole heart. It feels incredible! By observing our behaviours within our relationships, we engage in the self-study required to understand what it takes to be our best self in conjunction with another.

Last but not least…the bliss state! Those times where you are feeling truly valued, loved, connected, and appreciated by others. These moments are precious…when we are in full alignment with who we are in the presence of a loved one. Even more so, when we can allow that person to be in full alignment in who they are with us! To me, this speaks to vulnerability and letting go of expectation. That we can be truly one with those we love…just as they are.

Another new moon is upon us. While some people may scoff at astrology and meaning in the stars, others use the movement of the planets and other celestial bodies for guidance.

Whichever side of the coin you fall on, there is no doubt that we can always look above us for inspiration as we gaze at the sun, moon, stars and planets above!

New moons have been seen as times to set intentions. They are nights of darkness when moonlight fails to illuminate the sky and earth below. As a result, this darkness calls for a looking inward. When we take the time to sit quietly and reflect, it gives us a chance to nourish, tune in, and ponder those things we want to manifest in our lives.

There are many ways to do this – meditation, writing, singing, lighting a candle in honour of your dreams. The sky is the limit in terms of how you can put intentions out into the universe. In Bali, I’ve participated in everything from nourishing Yin practices, fire ceremonies, candle ceremonies, and group journalling sessions during full moons. Each experience allowed me to really think – not just in passing – about how I am living my life, what I want to change, and how I want to change it. They’ve allowed me to dream and think big about all that is possible, without limitation.

If you choose to celebrate the New Moon, you can create a little ritual or ceremony for yourself that speaks to your heart! If you love painting, but dislike writing – paint your intention! If sitting in a bubble bath is where you come up with your best ideas, light some candles, immerse yourself in warm water, and allow your thoughts to linger in your dreams. If you are like me, and meditation is your jam, put out a focused effort to meditate on what you want to manifest in your life.

As with everything, these experiences should be practiced with pure gratitude. Gratitude for the time to reflect, gratitude for this Earth that keeps on spinning and supporting us, and gratitude for all that you have accomplished up to this point. We never get to where we are alone and it is important to think about this when putting our intentions out there.

A new moon in Leo is all about lighting our inner spark. To dream boldy and think strategically about things we want to make happen in our lives! In other words, think BIG! Think OUT THERE! Think about all of those things you never thought were possible in your lifetime and consider them attainable!

Enjoy this quiet time we get each moon cycle to nourish our hearts, our dreams, our wishes…

I was speaking with one of my close friends (who also happens to be a yoga teacher) yesterday. We were talking about some of the articles we’ve been reading lately, about the complicated and relentless western society we find ourselves living in, and about yoga’s place in all of it.

So much of what we are surrounded with tells us how we should act, what we should look like, what success is (or isn’t), and that contentment is a far-off dream that takes years of hard work and sacrifice to find. In my opinion, it has led to an unrelenting desire for a quick fix, an adrenaline shot of happiness, a quick-fire solution to all of our problems. As a result, we have lost an appreciation for what occurs on the journey to get there. Not only that, we want our journeys to be fast and painless, with little to no disruption occurring in our lives.

The same can be said for the overall approach to yoga in the west. Coming to North America 1920s, yoga was initially introduced to the masses via a studio in Hollywood set up by Indra Devi (a yoga pioneer for sure). Before this, those who wanted to pursue yoga would most likely have had to travel abroad to find and then study under a teacher. To appeal to our overall desire for a better-looking body, the entry point for many to this practice was via the physical. As time has gone on, our ability to commodify and package yoga as a “quick fix” for body, spirit, and mind has taken off in ways I’m sure the original yogis could never have imagined.

Here’s the catch, yoga isn’t just about the physical practice and it surely isn’t a quick fix. If anything, a deep and intentional practice of yoga will deconstruct and potentially ravage your world as you know it. Through mediation, breath, movement, and philosophical study, we have a tool that will bring deeper levels of awareness, and – as a result – can create a world in which we become seekers, critical thinkers, more empathetic, and in tune with “the-way-things-can-be” as opposed to “the-way-I’ve-always-done-this” or “the-way-things-should-be”.

Enlightenment comes at a price and it is a long path that leads there. It means breaking out of your comfort zone and seeing what lies beyond your boundaries. This is the reality of our practice both on and off the mat. If you are truly invested in exploring these practices, it requires a brave heart and a willingness to delve into the darkness and not just hover where the light is.

The Yoga Sutras touch on this in a variety of ways. They explain the discipline required, the mental clarity and focus needed to truly practice. In fact, yoga only begins once a person has done their preparation. That occurs even before we begin we actual practice of yoga itself! Imagine that!

Consider this the next time you are looking for that easy way out. Yoga is a discipline and one that asks you to work harder, deeper, and with way more heart. In my mind, a yogi is one that is willing to go that extra step…the one courageous enough to stay in it for the long haul. The one who may never achieve balance in Vrksasana (tree pose) but is always ready to give it a try. The one whose mind wanders during meditation, but makes the time to pursue the practice. The one whose breath goes deeper with every inhale and exhale. That is what the journey is all about…trying, striving…and finding grace and ease along the way.

I’ve been there. In a rut. Feeling less than inspired, not sure where to turn for motivation, and having the sense that everything around me -especially my goals and dreams and intentions – are getting lost in a deep haze.

When I did my yoga teacher training in Bali, there was a small altar set up in one corner of the room. A small table covered with a beautiful piece of cloth, a statue of Ganesha, incense and candles burning, and flowers as a reflection of the bounty of nature all around us. Each morning, a small ritual was performed in which the candles and incense were lit and those of us in the training were invited to add elements of our own lives to the altar – photos of loved ones, notes and letters, and elements from the earth (stones, shells, flowers, and leaves).

Every morning when I entered the space, I would take time in front of the altar…to set an intention, to ask Ganesha to assist me in clearing obstacles from my path, and to remember why I was there. This daily practice touched me deeply.

For so many years, even the word “altar” inspired complicated feelings in relationship to religion. Growing up as a Roman Catholic (and now no longer identifying with that faith), the altar always had a sense of being a forbidden space – especially for women. I grappled with this as I meditated and experimented with a different approach to what an altar could and can be. A space that is welcoming for all. One where my intentions and beliefs can exist alongside others.

I brought this practice home and created my own little altar at home. I included a candle, a small statue of Ganesha, some rocks, stones, and crystals from my travels, and an image of the White Tara. These small objects remind me of my purpose. They are items I cherish and they inspire me each and every day as I take time to meditate in front of this sacred space I’ve created for myself.

This space helps me get over my ruts, is my motivator, and clears out the haze. It is a place for grounding, observing, and listening to my deepest truth. When I make time to sit in this space, I am nourishing my body, soul, and spirit and giving myself the gift of inspiration.

I encourage you to create your very own “Altar of Inspiration” to see what it can do for you! I’ve created a little guide that contains five simple steps for manifesting your altar.

I hope it helps you create a space that is nourishing, welcoming…and inspiring!

To receive your free guide, just click on the image below or click here!

I was having coffee with an acquaintance of mine recently and I was commenting that since moving to our new city, I haven’t been connecting to any kind of community here (mainly due to the fact that I haven’t had my feet on the ground here long enough!). I noted that it seems to get harder as we get older, especially for those of us living more nomadic forms of existence on this planet.

It can be challenging to make a true connection with someone, especially when you are new to an area. For a while, I was finding the 30-second conversations with the barista at my local coffee shop on the corner to be the most engaging part of my day!

That being said, efforts must be made to connect, because we as humans are designed to connect to one another. Our bodies crave conversation, support, and laughter. Even for those of us who are the most introverted need a little face time every now and then to feel that sense of belonging to something bigger. Ever wonder why acro-yoga is just so. much. FUN?

And, that’s why I love yoga communities.

When we live yoga, we find community and connection everywhere. We feel it, whether it is connecting to a post or picture online, walking into a studio for a class, or attending a workshop or festival. We feel it when we make eye contact with others on the street or when we make eye contact with ourselves in the mirror in the morning. We feel it when we take time to really listen to our loved ones and when we tell others our story.

Our community is within us and outside of us. It is everywhere – this energetic fabric that ensures we are never alone and that we always have a space where we belong.

Yoga has shown up for me in some random ways since the beginning of the year…it IS the 30-second conversation with my barista and the way the little birds gather together in community in the tree out front of our building. It is being invited to a friend’s house for a meal and conversation just as much as it is when I work from home and update social media. It is the walks I take in our neighbourhood to absorb nature and the walks through our market to pick out produce. Our yoga community is in all of these wonderful and unexpected places.

We just have to remember to look for it and know that we are an integral piece of our community.

Speaking of community…

Join me on the mat Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Dragon Arts Collective, a community of healers, teachers, and all-around awesome human beings who are trying to make the world a better place! My classes here are donation based. For more information, click here!

I’ll also be joining the yoga community at the upcoming Prairie Love Yoga Festival in September! I’ll be talking about yoga and social activism while connecting with you on the mat! For more details and to register, click here!

Happy 2015! Oftentimes, when the calendar ticks over from December 31 to January 1, we take time to reflect and then determine how we want to move forward. For some, that means making resolutions. For others, that means they keep on keeping on…approaching things in the exact same way they have done before.

I did a lot of reflection as we moved from 2014 to 2015 and I realized that I want to spend this year living with intention. What exactly does “intention” mean to me? It means that I think, speak, and act with clarity and purpose and that I have nothing but the best outcomes in mind when it comes to the activities, relationships, and work I do. I know that things might not always work out the way I want them to, but if I moved into the space with the best of intention, then I know that I have done my part.

That got me thinking…how can I best live with intention? Even more so, how I best live with good intention? Immediately, the five Yamas came to mind. The first of Pantanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, the Yamas are five guiding principles for how we engage with both ourselves and our outer world – on and off the mat.

Ahimsa or Non-Violence. Do no harm, either to yourself or to other living things. The foundational Yama, this practice encourages to be kind, to ourselves, other people, and the earth. By being non-violent with our thoughts, words, and actions, we manifest care and love in everything we do. How can I live with more love in my life, especially toward those things, situations, and people that challenge me?

Satya or Truth. All of the Yamas build on one another, but for me personally, Satya and Ahimsa go hand-in-hand. Can we be truthful in our intentions? Can we recognize when we move into spaces in a connected and loving way versus ways that make us react with negative emotion. Can we be honest with ourselves about how we relate to ourselves, others, and situations? Can I be compassionately honest when talking about my feelings and where I am in relation to my life?

Asteya or Non-Stealing. All you need is within you! In this day in age, it can be very hard to tell the difference between being inspired and then doing something and then outright copying what someone else has done. I was watching a show the other day where a group of chefs were talking about this very thing. They noted that inspiration is all around us and if you do find yourself taking inspiration from another, be sure to credit that individual. They also noted that they enjoyed each other’s cooking so much more when they could tell it was an “original.” In other words, be an original. Don’t take from anything or anyone else. We are all rockstars…just as we are!

Aparigraha or Not Having Greed or Possessiveness. In these Pinterest-fueled days, it can be challenging to not covet or want something else…and something else on top of that…and a little more of that on the side. I explored this Yama during my teacher training and realized that, for me, it came down to the question of “Is this a need or a want?” I ask myself that all the time – food, clothes, things for the home. Is it something I am craving or is it something nourishing? In the end, I realize this Yama brings me back to Asteya – I have all I really need!

Brahmacharya or Moderation. In the end, it all comes down to knowing when enough is enough. Have I encountered today with enough of all the things I need (not want!) to live a full, nourished, loving, and engaged life. This Yama encourages us to monitor ourselves and when we do find places of excess in our lives. Why does that excess exist and is it possible to mitigate that excess in some way?

How are you planning on going into the New Year and where are you finding your inspiration for your every day life?

It is hard to summarize all the learning I did in one month into a blog post…so, I’m not going to put pressure on myself to do that! I am going to share some takeaways that I brought back with me from my time on and off the mat in Ubud while I assisted on a 200-hour yoga teacher training course offered by the School of Sacred Arts (the same school I received my 200-hour yoga certification from).

Morning Meditation is my Medicine. Every morning, I would rise at 4:45 AM and make my way to The Yoga Barn’s Lotus Studio no later than 5:45 AM. There is something magical about waking up that early, hearing the sounds of the island, seeing the stars still twinkling outside and settling into a meditation practice as the sun began its slow climb into the sky. Meditation has a variety of benefits I am sure we are all familiar with at this point, but I found that these morning meditations provided me with a sense of peace, purpose, and intention for the remainder of my day. I also started to become okay with the fact that my meditation is more of my yoga practice these days…more so than a super-challenging, sweaty, twisty, bendy asana class.

Little acts of kindness can make all the difference. It was awesome being able to assist a number of teachers and twenty-eight students over the past month. What was even better was witnessing the little acts of kindness occurring between everyone on a daily basis. From someone bringing another person a tea when they weren’t feeling well to a hug that was offered to me by a student at the end of a long week, these little acts brightened up our days. I saw them happening all over the place…these little moments of care between human beings makes the world a better place.

Slowing down is so important! I wrote a little post on this the other day, but it was one of my best takeaways. It is very easy for all of us to get caught up in the GO! GO! GO! of our everyday lives. What should be just as easy, and, for some reason isn’t, is the ability to slow down and take stock of what is occurring in the moment. By reminding myself to intentionally slow down, I am able to enjoy the moment and realize that not everything is as urgent as I make it out to be.

Support is necessary. This trip would not have happened if I didn’t have the support from a lot of people in my life! While I used to believe it was me against the world and that I needed to do everything on my own and not be dependent on anyone else, I realize how important having your own personal “team” beside you can make all the difference. From little words of encouragement to actual, physical assistance on tasks, the people in our lives want to help, want to know they are needed, and want to know they are impacting your life in a positive way. I have so many people to thank for making the past month happen!

What are some lessons you are learning though your practice both on and off the mat?

For most people, the idea of working in Bali conjures up ideas of bliss, ease and sunny days. While that is true, there is also the day-to-day of work and still getting caught up in to-do lists, expectations and working within a team.

Ove the past two days, I found myself slipping back into full-on-work-mode Heather (FOWMH). This person moves fast, reads fast and works hard to get everything done on time and above and beyond expectation. When this happens, FOWMH can experience the exact opposite outcomes…missed deadlines, muddled communication and the feeling as though things are falling through the cracks, whether in Bali or somewhere else!

In response to that, the universe can send us little signals to slow down and move, think, speak and act with more intention. My signal came in the form of a latte yesterday morning and I am so grateful it did!

I was in the midst of work swirl…those moments when the to-do list feels like it is getting longer and the ability to manage things seems to slip out of control. My next item was to order a latte and ensure it got down to the person who was teaching the next part of the course I am assisting on. I ordered the latte and waited for it to be prepared. That was the first lesson to slow down…waiting patiently for something to come and not jumping behind the counter to make it myself. Recognizing that there is a team of people who makes that latte – and all the other ones made in a day – and that I am dependent on them and their schedule in that moment forced me to slow down, take a seat and just breathe.

I then had to walk with the latte and my heavy bag down two sets of stairs and over uneven earth to the studio where the session was held. I balanced the latte and my bag, slowing E V E R Y T H I N G down. I needed to focus to not spill a drop, move slower to avoid jostling myself and the cargo I carried. I was able to concentrate on this one cup of joe and my body and mind moved only in response to that cup.

It was a mindful moving latte meditation.

I needed to slow down, to breathe, to move with intention. If I didn’t, I risked knocking the whole thing out of balance, just as my work morning had been. So, for the rest of the day, I worked to balance, breathe and practice being intentional with everything I was doing.